Google My Business profile

Google My Business (GMB) is a powerful tool for businesses to enhance their online presence locally (e.g kenya). It provides a free platform where businesses can manage and optimize their information on Google Search and Maps. With GMB, businesses can showcase essential details such as address, google map location, phone number, website, and operating hours. This information helps customers easily find and connect with local businesses. GMB also enables businesses to interact with customers through reviews, messages, and posts, fostering engagement and trust. Setting up a GMB profile is straightforward and can significantly boost visibility in local search results. Overall, GMB is a vital asset for any business looking to improve its online visibility, attract more customers, and establish credibility in the local community. It’s an essential tool that complements other digital marketing efforts and should not be overlooked by businesses aiming for success in today’s competitive online landscape.

Setting Up Your Google My Business Profile

Setting up your Google My Business (GMB) profile is crucial for enhancing your online visibility and connecting with local customers. Follow the following steps to set up your Google My Business Profile for your business.

1. Visit the Google My Business website and click on “Manage Now”:

2. Click “open a new account”:

3. Click “For My Work or Business”

4. Choose the right email address for your business

You have two options: a custom email address or gmail address. With the first option, you will get a custom email address such as wewe@yourbiashara.co.ke. This service is free for 14 days and then you will be billed monthly by google after the trial period. There is up to 5TB of space per user in google drive. Additionally, you will enjoy premium features like long-term video conferencing and advanced scheduling of appointments. The second option, gmail, is free to use and it is perfect for startups and those with limited budget. It allows 15GB space in google drive. For this sake of this guide, we will consider the gmail option.

5. Fill the form and click “Continue”:

Fill in the form with your first name and last name and the press continue:

6. Select your date of birth and gender and press “continue”

date of birth and gender

Besides making sure you’re old enough to use certain services and features, Google uses your birthday to:

  • Determine your age group to offer you a more personalized experience, including personalized recommendations and ads. You can turn off personalized ads.
  • Know when to show a birthday theme on the Google Search page.
  • Account security and personalization across Google services.

Your age isn’t visible to others unless you share your birthday publicly or with specific people.

On the other hand, google uses your gender to make Google services more personal. When you specify your gender, you help google to:

  • Personalize messages and other text that refer to you. For example, people who can see your gender will see text like “Send him a message” or “In her circles.”
  • Provide more relevant, tailored content you might be interested in, like ads.

If you don’t specify your gender, google will refer to you in gender-neutral terms, like “Send them a message.” Your gender isn’t visible to others unless you share it publicly or with specific people.

7. Provide your email address and press continue

You can use your existing email address or create a gmail address:

8. Verify your email address and press “continue”:

Google will send you a verification code to the email provided after clicking continue in step 7 above. Use the code to verify your email address as shown below and then press continue.

9. Create password and press “continue”:

Create password

10. Review your account information and press “continue”

review information

11. Press “I agree” to consent to google’s terms and conditions.

13. Enter your business name and press “continue” :

business name

13. Select your business type and press continue

14. Enter your website address:

14. Select the nature of your business

15. What is your address?

17. Add your phone number

18. Make your business known:

This is optional. You may choose to continue without selecting the two options provided.

19. Choose a verification method

Google needs to verify that you manage the business. As such, they require you to record a video of your business showing your location, equipment and management confirmation. Your video will only be used for verification and will not be shown publicly. However, you have the option to do this later as seen in the image below. However, if you choose this option, you can continue to make changes to your business in Google but they won’t be visible to customers until you complete verification.

20. Set your business opening hours:

21. Choose message element

22. Add business details:

Give customers more information about your business by adding annotations to your Business Profile in Maps and Search and other Google services.

23. Upload photos of your business

Showcase your products or services to help customers know what’s in your business.

If you do not intend to advertise your business with google, you can skip the next couple of steps and you will be good to go.

How To Design a Professional Google My Business Profile

Designing a professional Google My Business (GMB) profile is essential for making a strong first impression and attracting local customers:

  • Start by choosing a high-resolution profile picture that represents your business logo or storefront.
  • Select a captivating cover photo that showcases your business’s unique features or offerings.
  • Ensure that all business information, such as address, phone number, and website URL, is accurate and up to date.
  • Use a consistent tone and style in your business description to reflect your brand personality.
  • Organize your GMB profile sections logically, with clear headings and relevant information.
  • Add attractive photos of your products or services to give potential customers a visual understanding of what you offer.
  • Use keywords naturally in your business description and posts to improve your profile’s visibility in local searches.
  • Regularly update your GMB profile with new content, such as posts, events, or special offers, to keep it engaging.
  • Encourage customers to leave reviews and respond promptly and professionally to all customer feedback.
  • Monitor the performance of your GMB profile using insights to optimize your content and engagement strategies for better results. A well-designed GMB profile can significantly enhance your business’s online presence and credibility within your local community.